LAHORE: The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Board of Studies in Dentistry extended the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program in Punjab from four years to a five-year degree.
The decision was taken during the 49th meeting of the UHS Board of Studies in Dentistry on Thursday.
Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore said that the fifth year will be designated as a clerkship year, aimed at providing workforce support to dental colleges. The board meeting also reached a consensus that both public and private dental colleges would not charge fees for the fifth year.
The Board of Studies in Dentistry also approved a new integrated curriculum for Punjab’s dental colleges, which will come into effect from the 2024-25 academic session
Vice Chancellor UHS emphasised that faculty training of all affiliated dental colleges for the new curriculum would be completed by December and January.
The meeting was attended by heads of 16 University of Health Sciences (UHS)-affiliated dental colleges.